GENEVA MOTOR SHOW: Skoda's revised Rapid
New look and engine for Czech mate's Corolla rivalSkoda has revealed a new-look Rapid ahead of its world debut at the Geneva motor show in March and its Australia arrival in September.
The revised small car features new headlight internals with bi-xenon main beams and LED running lights, plus a new front bumper with full-width chrome strip for premium variants and fresh fog lights.
Skoda says the Rapid Sportback – the only version of the Czech small-car available in Australia – now sports an extended rear window, while tinted tail-lights with optional LED elements are also new.
Inside, there's new instrumentation and the option – in Europe at least – of Wi-Fi hot spot, two rear USB ports, upgraded infotainment systems and a surround sound audio system.
Other Volkswagen Group tech extends to automatic high-beam activation, autonomous emergency braking and fatigue detection.
Perhaps the most relevant news is the replacement of the base model's 81kW 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine with VW's smaller 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo engine in both 70kW and 81kW outputs.
In Europe, the Rapid's 92kW 1.4-litre turbo-petrol and 66/85kW versions of VW's 1.6-litre turbo-diesel (not available here) continue unchanged.
Given Skoda Australia's Rapid range currently opens with the 1.2 81TSI model priced from $17,990, it remains to be seen what effect the downsized 1.0-litre triple's introduction has on the local Rapid line-up and pricing.
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